How do you find a good college essay revisor?

Finding the right person to revise your college essay is a big part of the process. It’s smart to want feedback, but protecting your voice and privacy is important too. Many students start by sharing their essays with someone they trust, like a favorite English teacher, a counselor, or even a family member who’s a strong writer.

English teachers can be helpful, especially if they’re familiar with college application essays and not just academic writing. They’ll often give good feedback on clarity, grammar, and structure. However, their advice might lean more toward the traditional academic essay, so clarify that you want your unique personality and story to stand out. You can say, “I want to make sure my personality comes through—can you let me know if it still sounds like me?”

Some students do work with professional editors or tutors who have experience with college admissions. If you go this route, make sure you research their background and read reviews or testimonials. Look for someone who encourages you to keep your authentic voice and doesn’t rewrite your whole essay or make it sound generic. A good sign is when a reviewer highlights what makes your story unique and helps you tell it clearer, rather than making big changes that don't feel right to you.

If you’re worried about privacy, consider asking just one or two trusted people. For example, you could share with a teacher who you know is discreet, or a family friend who went to college recently. Some students also swap essays with a friend they trust, and give feedback to each other. Just be clear about what kind of feedback you want.

For example, one student I know shared her essay only with her older sister and her AP English teacher. Her sister gave honest feedback on how honest and personal the essay felt; her teacher checked for grammar and awkward wording. That way, she balanced getting editorial help and keeping her personal voice.

If you ever feel uncomfortable, it’s ok to ask your reviewer not to share your essay with others. Ultimately, the best revisors are the ones who respect your story, encourage your voice, and support you without taking over your essay.